“Legolas is my favorite character”

What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humor, integrity, or anything else you'd like to tell us about. (200 – 250)

Response

Contrary to common belief, the reason why the elven warrior Legolas is my favorite character in Lord of the Rings is not because he’s an amazing archer or because he’s graceful in speech and battle. It’s because he is able to be optimistic when others despair, precisely the part of my personality that I have found to be of the greatest use to me and those around me.

My optimism has drawn others to me, even if they, like the student I tutor, occasionally grumble “How can you be so darn happy all the time?” My friends depend on me to retain composure and positivity when hopes are dashed or when plans are disappointed. For myself, optimism has been the force that allows me to face challenges and endure defeats anywhere from exams to research projects to competitions, and my life has been all the happier for it.

Optimism also allows me to feel content with my ability to help others. Perhaps the greatest effect my optimism has ever had was on the aforementioned student. I was paid to improve her SAT score, but I am far prouder of having improved her formerly dour attitude. She falls into depression much less now, and draws more satisfaction from life. If the best and most fulfilling thing a person can do in life is to make someone else’s life better, then I achieved it through setting an example with my own optimism — something no demonstration of intelligence could have ever done.